About:

An island off the coast of Spain in the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a magical Mediterranean escape—a rustic, idyllic destination known for its stunning coastline and turquoise waters, remote mountains and quiet hilltop stone villages, expansive countryside blanketed with olive and almond groves, and vibrant culinary scene. It has less of a party vibe than its neighbor, Ibiza, and is an ideal place for honeymooners, families, foodies, hikers and cyclists, and anyone looking for a unique destination that seamlessly blends beautiful scenery, rustic Mediterranean food, and low-key relaxation.

Best time to visit:

Mallorca offers mild year-round weather so you can visit any time of the year. The best time is shoulder season (April–June and September–October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.

Ideal length of stay:

5-7 days

How to get there: 

Fly into Palma, the capital city. Usually you’ll have a stopover in Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, or another European city depending on where you’re coming from.

Areas of the island:

There are four main regions of Mallorca: south coast, east coast, north coast, and west coast. The capital city, Palma, is on the south coast. The west coast is our favorite; it’s home to the beautiful hilltop towns of Deià, Soller, and Valdemossa, as well as the dramatic Tramuntana mountains and rocky beaches. The east coast also has some lovely beaches.

Getting around:

If you’re staying for more than a couple of days and plan on leaving the capital city of Palma de Mallorca, we definitely recommend renting a car. This gives you the freedom to explore more off-the-beaten path and rural areas of the island. Automatic (vs. manual) cars here are limited, so book your rental car as early as possible. Taxis and public transit are available, but note that wait times may be long, especially in more remote areas. Save all of our Mallorca recs to your Google Maps for easy navigation once you’re there,

Currency & tipping:

Mallorca is part of Spain and uses the Euro. Tipping 5-15% is customary.

Notes:

• If you have more than a few days, we recommend splitting your time between the major city of Palma and a smaller countryside town to give you a good feel for the island.

• Any hotel marked with an asterisk (*) is a preferred partner hotel; by booking through us, you’ll receive VIP perks including a free room upgrade, complimentary daily breakfasts, premium amenities, early check-in / late check-out, and resort credits to spend during your stay. Contact us with your dates and we’ll handle the rest!

Luxury hotels:

• La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel* - Hidden among the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana in Deià, this 5-star hotel is the island's crown jewel, known for its serene setting and impeccable service. A great hotel for both couples and families. Its restaurant, El Olivo, is top notch.

• Gran Hotel Son Net*- Tucked in a privileged enclave at the foot of Sierra de Tramuntana and just 15 minutes from Palma, Son Net is a spectacular refuge with impeccable design

• Cap Vermell Grand Hotel* - Located on the east coast of Mallorca, just minutes from the beach and overlooking the beautiful valley of Canyamel, this 5-star resort and spa was inspired by a traditional Mallorcan hilltop village and immerses guests in Balearic history; lively markets, Bronze Age ruins, Capdepera Castle, and the Caves of Artà are just minutes away. The 142 refined guest rooms offer private balconies and panoramic views.

• Son Bunyola* - Spacious, traditional Balearic villas sprawling across 680 acres on Mallorca’s northwest coast near Valdemossa, each with its own heated pool, sleek kitchen, courtyard and dining area. The lush estate includes vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards; you can walk to the beach, and there are plenty of hiking/biking trails nearby. Great for groups and families looking for an extended stay.

• St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort* - Luxurious retreat on Mallorca’s southwest coast minutes from Palma, with sprawling grounds and 125 guest rooms and suites all with private terraces boasting Mediterranean views. Home to Michelin-starred Es Fum restaurant. Great for couples or families.

• Can Ferrereta - 5-star adults-only boutique hotel and spa located in the historic town of Santanyí in the quieter southeast corner of Mallorca, a short distance from some of the best beaches on the island. Housed in a restored 17th-century residence, its 32 rooms and suites exude rustic charm with contemporary furnishings, and are surrounded by lovely gardens. Great for couples.

• Cap Rocat* - 5-star adults-only boutique hotel set in a restored 19th-century fortress overlooking the Bay of Palma, spread over 88 acres of protected coastline. The vibe here is to unwind in nature with stunning sea views. Features multiple magical dining venues, a private rock cliff beach with direct access to the sea, jetty and salt water pool. Very romantic. Located just a few minute’s drive to Palma. Great for couples.

• Finca Serena Mallorca* - 5-star adults-only boutique hotel and spa in the center of Mallorca in a serene countryside setting. Feels like the “Tuscany” of Mallorca. The decor is warm, neutral, and inviting, the views are endless, and there’s a strong focus on gastronomy. Good for couples looking to relax.

• Castell Son Claret* - 5-star hotel just 30 minutes from Palma nestled in the dramatic Tramuntana mountains, on the outskirts of the village of Es Capdellà. Set in a 19th-century castle on 326 acres of unspoiled countryside, Castell is one of the largest private estates on Malllorca, and features 43 meticulously designed rooms and suites, plus a spa and gastronomic restaurant.

• Others: Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa*, Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden*, Can Cera, Pleta de Mar, Can Simoneta

Boutique hotels:

• Aethos Mallorca* - brand new vibey boutique hotel right on the water, close to Palma

• Sant Francesc Hotel Singular* - Modern and chic boutique hotel in Palma, housed in a renovated 19th-century mansion in the heart of old town. An impressive collection of contemporary artworks and photographs line the walls. Features 42 rooms, a spa, and a beautiful rooftop terrace and pool with views of the Tramuntana mountains.

• Hotel Bendinat* - charming boutique hotel set on a rocky bay overlooking the ocean near Palma, close to a sandy beach

• Concepció by Nobis - New design-forward boutique hotel in Palma’s old town housed in a 16th-century building, featuring 31 rooms, a restaurant, lounge, and sleek rooftop pool. Very chic and trendy. Great for couples.

• Predi Son Jaumell Capdepera - Rustic country house in rural northeastern Mallorca on the site of a 400-year-old estate. Features 24 spacious suites, each uniquely decorated, with lovely terraces overlooking vineyards and olive trees, plus its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Andreu Genestra. Just minutes from the town of Artà, the Castell de Capdepera, and local beaches. Great for foodies, couples, and families.

• Sa Pedrissa - Romantic adults-only hideaway in a rural setting near Deià with just 9 rooms. Set in a renovated 17th-century residence in a peaceful setting overlooking the sea. Great for couples.

• Es Racó d'Artà* - Modern-minimalist farmhouse retreat in the quiet countryside of the northeast corner of Mallorca. The focus here is wellness, the design is impeccable, and the food is delightful, with ingredients picked fresh from the property. Great for couples and small groups.

• Others: The Lodge*, Sa Creu Nova Petit Palais Art & Spa*, Casa Balandra, Ca’s Xorc, Son Brull Hotel & Spa, Osa Major, Can Auli Luxury Retreat, Boutique Hotel Pasada Terra Santa, Cal Reiet, El Llorenç Parc de la Mar, Castillo Hotel Son Vida Marriott, Bikini Island & Mountain Hotel, El Vicenç De La Mar, Calatrava Mediterranean Sea House, Antigua Palma, Son Penya Petit Hotel & Spa, Hotel Mirabó De Valldemossa, Kimpton Aysla Mallorca

Visit the popular towns of Deiá, Valldemossa, and Sóller

• Deiá - Charming hilltop village with winding lanes, mesmerizing views, and beautiful rocky beaches with turquoise waters. Spend the day swimming and sunbathing at Cala Deià, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Ca’s Patrò March or Ca'n Lluc, and get a spa treatment at La Residencia Belmond followed by an elegant courtyard dinner at Belmond’s restaurant, El Olivo, amidst the olive groves.

• Valldemossa - Another hilltop village, not far from Deiá, where you can get lost exploring its picturesque winding lanes and local markets. For a scenic drive, head from Valdemossa to Sa Calobra via Deia.

• Sóller / Port de Sóller - The inland town of Sóller and its nearby port town, this is a quaint area home to a marina framed by the Tramuntana mountain range and a tram that gives you on a scenic way to get around.

Indulge in a food & wine experience

• Wine tasting at Ses Talaioles, Finca Biniagual, Vinyes Mortix, Oliver Moragues, Can Piza, or Dalt Turó

• Olive oil tasting at Aubocassa

• Farm tour and vineyard dinner at Terragust

• Group farm-to-table dining experiences with Farm to Table Mallorca

Enjoy a relaxing day at a beach cove

Insider Tips: Some beaches lack facilities so plan accordingly and bring your own food/water. Many “beaches” are just small rocky coves, so bring shoes. Arrive early morning to beat the crowds, or come for later in the day for sunset views. Bring Euros for parking.

• Cala Deià - Located on the west side, another stunning beach with turquoise waters in a small cove with a rocky beachfront, with some great rock pools to explore. Grab a fresh seafood lunch at Ca'n Lluc or Ca's Patró March—expect a wait.

• Caló des Moro - Located in the southeast corner of the island, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mallorca, a smaller beach tucked away in a hidden cove. From here you can walk to Cala s’Almunia, a small picturesque cove that’s the perfect place to come sunbathe on the rocks. This a favorite in the area, so get here early! Bring good shoes, as it’s a 15-min walk from the parking lot down to the beach.

• Cala Santanyi - Located on the southeast side just up the coast from Caló des Moro, this family-friendly beach has shallow waters and several beachfront bars. From here you can walk up to Cala Llombards, another nice beach where you can swim and rock jump for hours.

• Cala Llombards - Everybody loves this spot — the water is ridiculously beautiful, and the sandy beach, sunbathing rocks, and swim ladders give this cala so much character. Has sunbeds and a restaurant.

• S’Aramador - Located on the southeast side, this sandy beach located in the nature reserve of Mondrago is well protected inside a beautiful bay surrounded by trees, and the shallow waters make it family-friendly. From here you can walk up to Cala Mondragó, another beautiful beach.

• Es Trenc - Located on the south side, this is one of Mallorca’s most famous beaches, offering a wide stretch of sand and room to spread out. It’s unlike most other beaches, which are small and rocky. The shallow and calm waters here make it great for swimming, and it’s family friendly.

• Cala Pi - Located on the south side, this family-friendly sandy beach is nestled between two beautiful cliffs inside a long, narrow rocky bay. The calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

• Others: Sa Calobra, Cala Marmols, Cala Llombards

• Beach clubs: Purobeach Palma, Purobeach Illetas, Nikki Beach Mallorca, Gran Folies, Cala Llamp, Mhares Sea Club, Llucmajor, UM Beach House, Puerto Portals, Balneario Illetas, Illetas

Take a coat cruise

• Oasis Catamaran - Group and private tours departing from Palma

West Side:

Ca'n Lluc or Ca's Patró March - Fresh seafood by the water at Cala Deià, great for an idyllic lunch after a day of swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Get the catch of the day. Can get very busy, try to call ahead to reserve ($$)

Mesón Ca’n Pedro - Located in Calvia, 25 mins from Palma, this traditional restaurant is a highlight. A lively local spot serving hearty plates of seafood and grilled meats paired with local wines ($$)

Restaurant Nama - Elevated Asian-fusion made with local ingredients in a beautiful setting in Deià ($$)

Son Tomàs - Family-run restaurant with sea views in Banyalbufar near Valldemossa ($$)

Xelini - Tapas restaurant with nice garden patio in Deià ($$)

Es Roquissar - Cozy restaurant serving modern Mediterranean in Valldemossa ($$)

Es Taller Valldemossa - Creative and artistic dishes with a nice ambiance in Valldemossa ($$)

Café Miró - Beautiful terrace lunch at the La Residencia Belmond hotel in Deià ($$)

Olivera - Casual restaurant at Castell Son Claret hotel for a nice upscale lunch ($$)

Miceli - Michelin Bib Gourmand, daily menus featuring seasonal specialties in a rustic-chic 19th-century house with countryside views in Selva ($$$)

Ca'n Boqueta - Michelin Bib Gourmand, tasting menu in a typical Mallorcan house with a rustic vibe and valley views in Soller ($$$)

El Olivo - High-end Mediterranean restaurant in an elegant garden setting at the luxe La Residencia Belmond hotel in Deià ($$$)

Sea Club - Relaxed alfresco lunch or dinner with sea views at the Cap Rocat hotel, just south of Palma ($$$)

Restaurante Sebastián - Elegant Spanish cuisine and local wines in a stone-walled tavern with views of the hills in Deià ($$$)

Fine dining: Béns d'Avall (Soller), Es Raco d'es Teix (Deià), Es Fum (Costa d'en Blanes)

Central / East Side:

Es Molí - Local tapas restaurant in Santanyí ($$)

Restaurant Laudat - Seasonal Mediterranean restaurant in a restored old Mallorcan house with a welcoming terrace in Santanyí ($$$)

Sa Llotja - Creative Mediterranean cuisine with an impressive view of the harbor in Portocolom ($$$)

Daica - Modern tasting menus in a rustic-contemporary dining room and lovely patio in Llubí ($$$)

Others dining: Tess de Mar, Andreu Genestra (fine dining), Voro (fine dining, Canyamel), Maca de Castro (fine dining, Alcúdia)

Palma:

La Rosa Vermutería - Authentic Spanish food and tapas in Palma ($$)

Restaurant Botànic - Vegetarian-forward menu in lovely garden setting in Palma ($$)

Cafe Ca'n Toni - Cozy spot serving Mallorcan meat-forward specialties like suckling pig in Palma ($$)

Aromata - Stone walls and arches in an elegant dining room with gourmet dishes in Palma ($$)

El Camino - Stylish eatery in a narrow space with counter seats serving tapas, seafood, and meat plates, plus wine in Palma ($$)

S'angel - Market cuisine in a local atmosphere next to Es Baluard museum in Palma ($$)

Ola del Mar - Spanish seafood, meat, and rice dishes with a sea-view terrace in Palma ($$)

La Bodeguilla - Wine and tapas bar in Palma ($$$)

Restaurante Bonsol - Seafood specialties in Palma ($$$)

Fera Palma - Stylish venue offering sophisticated Mediterranean-Asian fusion fare and tasting menus in Palma ($$$)

Sadrassana Restaurant - Gourmet cuisine with Mallorcan touches in a vintage-style space in Palma ($$$)

Ombu - Creative fusion tapas in Palma ($$$)

La Despensa del Barón - Gourmet restaurant at the Posada Terra Santa hotel in Palma ($$$)

Forn de Sant Joan - Gourmet tapas and market cuisine with an elaborate touch in Palma ($$$)

Quadrat Restaurant & Garden - Gourmet restaurant at the Sant Francesc Hotel Singular in Palma ($$$)

Fine dining: Adrián Quetglas, Marc Fosh, Dins Santi Taura, Zaranda

See more restaurant recs here